Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tommy-gun

noun
/ˈtɑːmi ɡʌn/
Definition
A tommy gun is a submachine gun that became famous during the early to mid-20th century, particularly associated with gangsters and law enforcement.
Examples
  • The gangster wielded a tommy gun during the heist.
  • In many classic movies, a tommy gun is depicted as the weapon of choice for mobsters.
  • Police forces adopted the tommy gun for use in the early 20th century due to its firepower.
Meaning
The term ‘tommy gun’ refers to a compact, fully automatic firearm that fires pistol cartridges, designed for rapid fire and ease of handling.
Synonyms
  • submachine gun
  • SMG
  • machine pistol